Obesity is a healthcare epidemic in the U.S. As a growing number of people are facing the health risks of being overweight or obese, there has been an uptick in the number of bariatric surgery procedures. In 2011, around 158,000 patients underwent weight loss surgery. Six years later, the number of surgical procedures has increased to 228,000.

If you’re considering weight loss surgery, you’ve likely come across all sorts of misconceptions and myths. Keep reading to learn the truth about weight loss surgery, including how it can be a life-changing decision that allows you to take back control over your health.

“Weight Loss Surgery Is Dangerous”

All surgery poses a variety of risks and, in the past, bariatric surgery was riskier than other surgical procedures. However, there have been all sorts of medical advancements that have made safe weight loss surgery a reality for patients all over the globe.

Weight loss procedures can now be performed using a laparoscopic technique, which offers a wide range of benefits, including:

At the end of the day, surgery does have risks, but those who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of declined health due to conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and poor cardiovascular health.

“Surgery Is the Easy Way to Lose Weight”

Another common misconception about bariatric weight loss surgery is that it’s the easy way out. Many see surgery as a way to circumvent the need to eat a healthy diet and to exercise in order to lose weight—but this is entirely untrue. Bariatric surgery patients must make lifestyle changes that allow them to lose weight and to keep it off in the long-term. Surgery is simply a tool that patients can use along their journey.

Weight loss surgery patients must make all sorts of life-long commitments. First, they must commit to eating a healthy and wholesome diet while also engaging in regular exercise. Bariatric patients must also tackle any behavioral problems, such as binge eating or stress eating, to prevent these issues from causing weight gain in the future.

“Bariatric Patients Have Severe Health Issues”

It’s true that a patient who chooses to undergo surgery for obesity can experience vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This is often attributed to reduced absorption and reduced nutrient intake. Patients can also suffer from protein deficiency and micronutrients.

However, vitamin and nutrient deficiencies can be avoided by eating a wholesome diet and through the use of dietary supplements. In fact, most bariatric patients are advised to take vitamins and protein supplements to minimize the risk of deficiencies that can lead to other health issues. and then monitored regularly with blood works to check and correct any deficiency.

Trusted Weight Loss Surgery in Houston

If you’re considering stomach surgery to lose weight, you want to choose a bariatric surgeon that is experienced in performing different weight loss surgeries. At Houston Sleeve Surgery Clinic, we offer many different surgical options, including gastric sleeve and gastric bypass.

Make the call today and take back control of your life. Schedule a consultation by calling our office at (281) 888-7767. Our staff is here to answer any questions you may have in choosing the best weight loss surgery for you.

Disclaimer: This is only for general information. All patients should consult their doctors prior to following any of the recommendations in any articles, posts, or videos. All patients have individual needs and limitations that only their treating physicians can be aware of.

Weight fluctuations happen all the time. Whether it’s from a growth spurt, hormonal shift, or a few too many holiday treats, gaining and losing weight is pretty common—but what if you’ve already had weight loss surgery or other weight loss procedures to help with obesity, and the weight is coming back? No need to panic! We have 5 tips to help you get back on track.

5 Tips to Help You Watch Your Weight After Surgery

Keep a Journal: This may seem really basic, but it can be incredibly insightful and is a helpful resource for both you and your doctor to reference after your surgical weight loss. Use your journal to not just keep track of foods you’re eating, but any complications you’re having, such as mood swings, headaches, or allergies.You may find that changes to your diet have increased inflammation, or that you tend to crave certain foods. You may also see a correlation between an increase in weight and new habits you’ve created after your weight reduction surgery.

See Your Doctor: You may be embarrassed to see the person who performed your surgical weight loss, but they know better than anyone what to do about it. They will ask different types of questions regarding your eating and exercise habits (here’s where your journal comes in handy!), and will delve into the emotional and psychological answers as well. Gaining weight is usually a combination of habits and genetics, so determining what yours is resulting from is key. These questions aren’t to shame you, at all—your doctor needs to know if the weight gain is due to lifestyle changes, physiological or anatomical changes.

Have a support group: While your doctors will always be your number-one resource, they aren’t exactly the best option when you’re suffering from heartburn at midnight, or need reassurance that you’re doing great on a daily basis. This is where a support group comes in. Look for people who have gone through the same thing you have—bariatric weight loss surgery or other weight loss surgery—and who know firsthand the struggles and triumphs that go along with it.Having an accessible network is key to success with many things in life, and weight loss is no different. Having friends that can hold you accountable or answer questions you have when your doctor is not around can be crucial for success. It is easy to feel isolated from spouses and friends when your experience is so personal. Reach out, and avoid falling into the emotional pit trap of binging and other disorders. You’re not alone!

Make your health a priority: It may seem just as cliché as keeping a journal, but seriously putting your health at the forefront of your journey can go a long way in assuring you don’t gain weight or have other health complications. Stay in regular contact with your doctor, nutritionist or dietician, personal trainer, and every other resource that can monitor your health.This also means creating new habits, like working out regularly and eating well. These aren’t just about maintaining a weight; making your physical health a priority after weight loss surgery is about longevity. Better habits now can help stave off bigger health complications down the road.

Avoid triggers: This may be one of the biggest tips we can give. If watching football makes you crave a beer and pizza, don’t watch it. If certain people give you anxiety and cause you to binge on sweets, don’t see those people. If coworkers always go out for drinks on Fridays, leave work early to avoid being invited. If people push things on you, have a set list of excuses you can easily say to get out of it. Having weight loss surgery and losing a lot of weight is major—don’t get derailed by old habits and friends who don’t promote your success!

If you’ve gained weight after having bariatric weight loss surgery, a gastric sleeve, or another weight loss surgery option, reach out! The experts at Houston Sleeve Surgery Clinic want to help you be your best self. Call them today at 281-888-7767 to schedule an appointment!

Disclaimer: This is only for general information. All patients should consult their doctors prior to following any of the recommendations in any articles, posts, or videos. All patients have individual needs and limitations that only their treating physicians can be aware of.